Weather Forecast

Minnesota may end ban on Sunday liquor sales

ST. PAUL - Neighboring Minnesota may be about to end its ban on Sunday liquor store sales. The proposal is expected to come up when Gopher State lawmakers return to session in a week.

State Senator Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) says it would remove what he calls an unnecessary intrusion into the private sector. He says the growth of tap rooms has helped the issue gain momentum.

Opening Minnesota liquor stores on Sundays would have an effect across the border in Wisconsin. Hudson sees a good number of Minnesotans looking to buy beer-and-booze on Sundays. That fact was mentioned a month ago, when three people were shot outside a Hudson liquor store in what authorities called a battle among Minneapolis gangs.

The Minnesota bill could also have an effect on Wisconsin liquor shops in Superior, La Crosse, and smaller communities. Speaking of the Hudson shootings, 22-year-old Guled Abdi of Minneapolis is scheduled to enter pleas March 12th to 15 felony counts of attempted homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless injury. Abdi was bound over for trial last week in Saint Croix County. 26-year-old Ahmed Hirsi faces 15 similar counts. His case has not been referred for a preliminary hearing yet.